Chrysanthellum indicum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its scientific genus name, Chrysanthellum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range that spans across several different regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, its presence can be documented within the borders of Egypt. Moving toward the western part of the continent, it is widely distributed throughout West Tropical Africa. Specifically, it can be found growing in countries such as Benin, Burkina, and the Gambia. Furthermore, its distribution extends into Ghana, marking a significant part of its tropical habitat.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Chrysanthellum indicum is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, allowing it to colonize diverse landscapes ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 2500 m AMSL. On average, the species is found at a mean elevation of 1400 m AMSL, indicating a preference for mid-elevation environments. Furthermore, the plant exhibits a notable adaptability to disturbed environments, frequently establishing itself within anthropic areas (Área Antrópica), where human activity and land modification shape its local habitat.

Elevational range max:

2500 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica

Life history

The life history of Chrysanthellum indicum is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning the plant completes its entire biological progression from germination to seed production within a single growing season. In terms of its structural growth strategy, it is classified as a therophyte, a life form defined by its reliance on ephemeral structures to survive unfavorable conditions. This botanical strategy involves the plant spending its non-growing periods as seeds, allowing it to rapidly colonize disturbed habitats and seasonal environments once favorable conditions return.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Chrysanthellum indicum is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb, appearing as a non-woody, self-supporting plant. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic or epiphytic tendencies, and is strictly terrestrial in its habitat. The plant maintains a relatively low stature, with a mean height of approximately 0.3 m and a maximum height reaching around 0.25 m. As a non-climbing species, it is entirely self-supporting rather than acting as a vine or liana.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.25 m

Plant height mean:

0.3 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Chrysanthellum indicum is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutritional acquisition strategies, which are essential for its survival in diverse tropical environments. In terms of its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with rhizobial bacteria or actinomycetes required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, meaning its nitrogen uptake is entirely dependent on the availability of nitrates or ammonium in the soil. Its physiological performance is driven by efficient photosynthetic pathways that support the synthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and terpenoids, which serve both defensive and metabolic functions. Furthermore, its water regulation and transpiration rates are finely tuned to its leaf morphology, allowing it to maintain cellular homeostasis and drive the transpiration stream necessary for the transport of minerals and nutrients throughout its vascular system.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

Reproduction in Chrysanthellum indicum is primarily achieved through the production of specialized seeds that facilitate dispersal and the establishment of new seedlings. These seeds are characterized by their extremely minute size, reflecting a high-output reproductive strategy. Quantitative analysis of the seed morphology reveals a mean seed mass of 0.00045 g. The weight of individual seeds exhibits slight variability, with a recorded maximum mass of 0.00054 g and a minimum mass of 0.00036 g. This lightweight characteristic is typical of many species within this botanical group, often aiding in efficient distribution within their natural habitat to ensure successful propagation.

Seed mass max:

0.00054 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00045 g

Seed mass min:

0.00036 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Chrysanthellum indicum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Procyanidins, RUTIN, SILYMARIN, Saponins.

Flavonoids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Procyanidins

1. Journal de pharmacie de Belgique

RUTIN

1. Journal de pharmacie de Belgique

SILYMARIN

1. Journal de pharmacie de Belgique

Saponins

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Chrysanthellum indicum has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Chrysanthellum indicum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous extract.

Aqueous extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology